Beyond The Plan

Ali Farhoodi
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If you work in major infrastructure projects - whether in government or the private sector - then this series is for you.  Host, Ali Farhoodi, is joined by seasoned project managers who share their insights on successful project management strategies, and behind the scenes stories on projects like Sydney Metro, Sydney Light Rail and the Lane Cove Tunnel. Ali is the Director of EDSICO Management, a boutique, independent, Australian-owned consultancy that provides a range of services to Australian Government agencies and the private sector across all aspects of Project Management and Project Services.

Episodes

  1. JAN 12

    How Small Businesses Win Major Contracts (Even Against Big Corporations) | Ep. 09

    Need help with managing your next big infrastructure project? Get in touch with our team: https://edsico.com.au/contact-us/  ----- In this episode, we’re joined by Ian Hudson, Executive Director of the Industry Capability Network, who shares how small and medium businesses can win major contracts without trying to compete like Tier One operators. Ian explains what buyers are really looking for, why many tenders fail before they’re even read, and how capability gaps are often created by positioning rather than skill. Drawing on real examples from infrastructure, energy, and preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, Ian breaks down how SMEs can choose the right tenders, present their capability clearly, and align systems, experience, and certifications with project requirements. He also explains why relationships before a tender matter, how procurement policies can work in your favour, and what separates serious contenders from time-wasters. If you’re an SME looking to improve your tender success rate, break into large projects, or prepare your business for upcoming nation-building opportunities, this episode offers clear, practical guidance from someone with a full market view. Ideal for business owners, contractors, and advisors navigating government and major project procurement. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Hook 01:02 Introduction to Ian Hudson and ICN 03:09 Understanding the Capability Gap Between SMEs and Major Projects 06:18 Picking the Right Tenders and Thinking Like the Buyer 10:46 Building a Strong Capability Profile on ICN Gateway 14:32 Certifications, Systems and Readiness Before You Tender 19:05 Competing on a Global Stage as an Australian SME 22:48 Efficiency, Waste Reduction and Focusing on Your Strengths 25:22 Building Local Advantage Through Relationships and Market Sounding 30:11 Collaboration Between SMEs to Win Larger Work Packages 36:58 Government Procurement Rules Explained (AIP, SME Plans, Diversity) 44:12 Using Procurement Policies to Your Advantage 54:58 Lessons Learned From ICN Projects 59:40 Cash Flow, Contract Risk and Scaling Safely 1:07:47 Preparing Your Business for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics 1:13:02 Leveraging Olympic Experience for Future Growth 1:15:17 Book Recommendations for Business and Procurement Success 1:18:40 Key Takeaways and Closing Thoughts -----   LISTEN TO THE PODCAST   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0bFEwnQxQuM9HvHExheqOn  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-plan/id1814284070    -----   CONNECT WITH US   Website: https://edsico.com.au/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alifarhoodimscpmp/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edsicomgt/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edsicomgt

    1h 19m

  2. 12/02/2025

    How To Make AI Actually Work Inside Your Organisation | Ep. 08

    Need help with managing your next big infrastructure project? Get in touch with our team: https://edsico.com.au/contact-us/  ----- In this episode, we’re joined by Colin Hickling, Senior Partner at AITW | AI That Works, who brings more than 30 years of experience helping government agencies and large organisations navigate digital transformation. Colin reveals a confronting reality: 95 percent of AI projects fail, not because of the technology, but because organisations lack the governance, accountability, and alignment required to make AI deliver real outcomes. He breaks down the biggest misconceptions leaders have about AI, including why treating it like an IT experiment leads to inaccurate results, security risks, and wasted investment. Colin shares what the top 5% of organisations do differently, what “living governance” looks like in practice, and how one Australian hospital replaced 30 administrative roles with a single AI system, while improving accuracy, speed, and quality. If you want to understand how to avoid AI chaos and build a foundation of trust, resilience, and measurable value, this episode gives you a clear, practical roadmap. Perfect for executives, project leaders, and anyone responsible for making AI work inside their organisation. ----- Watch the video version of the podcast to see the whiteboard: https://www.youtube.com/@edsicomgt  ----- CONNECT WITH US   Website: https://edsico.com.au/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alifarhoodimscpmp/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edsicomgt/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edsicomgt  Time Stamps: 00:00 Hook  00:42 Introduction to Colin Hickling 03:05 What AI Really Is and Why Governance Matters 05:41 The Three Levels of AI Capability 12:45 Hospital Case Study: Replacing 30 Admin Staff with AI 14:42 Feedback Loops and AI Accuracy Improvements 16:16 Why AI Projects Fail (and What the Top 5 Percent Do Differently) 17:01 Living Governance Explained 19:58 AI-Enabled Attacks and Global Examples 27:26 From Strategy to Execution: Bridging Vision and Reality 32:34 Culture, Change Management and Mission-Centric Governance 37:04 Medical Decision Support and Digital Fluency 50:40 Cyber Risk as a Business Risk 60:59 The New Accountability Model 1:17:03 Embedding Resilience Across the Organisation 1:19:02 Outro DISCLAIMER The information provided in this podcast is for general purposes only and should not be considered personal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals or experts in the relevant field for personalised advice tailored to your specific situation.

    1h 20m

  3. 11/11/2025

    The TRUTH About PMOs in 2026 | Ep. 07

    Need help with managing your next big infrastructure project? Get in touch with our team: https://edsico.com.au/contact-us/  ----- In this episode, we’re joined by Amireh Amirmazaheri, founder of PMO Solutions and Asia-Pacific Lead for the PMO Global Alliance, often called the Queen of PMO. With a background spanning engineering and large-scale infrastructure portfolios, Tamira brings a rare mix of technical depth and business strategy to the conversation. She shares why negotiation doesn’t end when the contract is signed and how poor integration, weak transparency, and siloed communication cost organisations millions. Tamira reframes the PMO as a true business enabler, not an administrative function, connecting finance, commercial, and delivery teams to keep projects aligned with strategic goals. If you’ve ever questioned why 64% of projects fail to meet their objectives, or what it takes for a PMO to prove real value, this episode offers practical lessons on turning governance into growth and creating alignment that lasts beyond delivery. ----- Watch the video version of the podcast to see the whiteboard: https://www.youtube.com/@edsicomgt  ----- CONNECT WITH US   Website: https://edsico.com.au/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alifarhoodimscpmp/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edsicomgt/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edsicomgt  Time Stamps: 00:00 Hook/Intro 02:16 Amireh's Background and Role 05:00 Importance of Negotiation to Delivery 09:59 Integration Gap 27:07 Trust and Transparency 38:37 Technology and Data Management 44:54 Enabler Function 46:49 The Role of PMOs in Business Integration 51:03 Different kinds of PMO 55:25 Establishing a PMO 01:01:34 Book Recommendations 01:04:01 Conclusion/Outro DISCLAIMER   The information provided in this podcast is for general purposes only and should not be considered personal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals or experts in the relevant field for personalised advice tailored to your specific situation.

    1h 5m

  4. 10/14/2025

    Why Mega Projects Fail (And How Collaborative Contracting Fixes Them) | Ep. 6

    Need help with managing your next big infrastructure project? Get in touch with our team: https://edsico.com.au/contact-us/  ----- In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Simister, former British Army officer and global programme director, whose career spans drilling boreholes at Buckingham Palace to leading multi-billion-dollar infrastructure frameworks at Sydney Water. Mark explains why mega projects so often fail under fragmented, risk-averse contracts, and how collaborative contracting frameworks built on trust, transparency, and shared risk, can turn delivery from conflict to partnership. He shares the inside story behind Sydney Water’s Partnering for Success model, along with the leadership, culture, and incentives that make collaboration stick. If you want to understand why adversarial approaches are breaking down, what a collaborative framework really looks like in practice, and how to deliver projects that create lasting public value, this episode is full of lessons you won’t want to miss. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Hook/Intro 01:55 Who is Mark Simister and His Background 18:31 Collaborative framework for complex infrastructure delivery 19:46 Case for collaboration 26:00 What is a collaborative framework? 28:57 Key Principles of Collaborative Framework 38:44 Success Enablers 46:29 Building the culture 53:05 Common challenges 59:01 Steps you can take 01:04:59 Key takeaways 01:10:18 Conclusion/Outro -----   LISTEN TO THE PODCAST   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0bFEwnQxQuM9HvHExheqOn  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-plan/id1814284070    -----   CONNECT WITH US   Website: https://edsico.com.au/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alifarhoodimscpmp/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edsicomgt/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edsicomgt

    1h 12m

  5. 09/08/2025

    The TRUTH About Project Management in Capital Projects (2025) | Ep. 05

    Need help with managing your next big infrastructure project? Get in touch with our team: https://edsico.com.au/contact-us/  ----- In this episode, we’re joined by Omer Iqbal, President of PMI Sydney and Senior Portfolio Manager at Sydney Water, whose career has spanned oil and gas, mining, defence, transport, and utilities. Omer shares why portfolio management is the missing link between boardroom strategy and on-the-ground delivery, how defining risk appetite at the top shapes hundreds of projects on the ground, and why success means more than just hitting time and budget. He also discusses how innovation can thrive even in highly regulated environments, what it takes to keep mega-projects resilient under pressure, and why building high-performing teams starts with job design and shared purpose. If you want to understand how complex capital projects really succeed, balance board expectations with delivery realities, and lead portfolios that create lasting public value, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro 01:16 Podcast beginning 02:19 Why portfolio management? 05:47 Standard portfolio structure 12:07 Risk assessment and Cynefin framework 21:43 Innovation in portfolio environment 26:05 Success: Investment or investments 28:15 The influence of regulations 33:49 Triple constraint case scenario 39:53 People component in portfolio management 47:43 Understanding the impact of industry tools 56:33 Omer's management advice for the young professionals -----   LISTEN TO THE PODCAST   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0bFEwnQxQuM9HvHExheqOn  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-plan/id1814284070    -----   CONNECT WITH US   Website: https://edsico.com.au/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alifarhoodimscpmp/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edsicomgt/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edsicomgt

    59 min

  6. 07/28/2025

    Why Big Projects Keep Failing And How We Can Fix Them | Ep. 04

    Description: Need help with managing your next big infrastructure project? Get in touch with our team: https://edsico.com.au/contact-us/  ----- In this episode, we’re joined by Veno Panicker, a Partner in Construction & Infrastructure at Hamilton Locke who has worked closely with contractors and developers across civil, energy, and public infrastructure. Veno talks about why Australia’s obsession with lump sum contracts is fuelling insolvencies, how shifting risk down the chain is eroding project outcomes, and why redefining “value” in infrastructure must go beyond timelines and budgets. He also discusses how smarter contract models can unlock innovation, what it really takes to boost productivity on-site, and why investing in education, diversity, and tech adoption is non-negotiable for the future of the industry. If you want to deliver infrastructure that’s truly fit for purpose, protect the health of your supply chain, and build long-term capability in Australia’s construction sector, make sure to listen to this episode! ----- Watch the video version of the podcast to see the whiteboard: https://www.youtube.com/@edsicomgt  ----- CONNECT WITH US   Website: https://edsico.com.au/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alifarhoodimscpmp/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edsicomgt/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edsicomgt

    51 min

  7. 07/16/2025

    25 Years of Infrastructure Procurement Advice in 45 Minutes | Ep. 03

    Need help with managing your next big infrastructure project? Get in touch with our team: https://edsico.com.au/contact-us/  ----- In this episode, we’re joined by Scott Beveridge, a Senior Strategic Sourcing and Category Manager at Downer who has over 25 years of experience in procurement. Scott talks about why integrated planning is crucial for managing risks, how accurate cost benchmarking can transform procurement outcomes, and the value of strategically engaging the market to balance innovation and reliability. He also discusses why building genuine, trusted relationships matters more than relying on contracts alone, the necessity of strict transparency and governance to protect integrity, and how AI and technology are reshaping the future of procurement. If you want to gain practical insights to confidently deliver projects, enhance your procurement strategies, and achieve greater impact from infrastructure investments, make sure to listen to this episode! ----- Watch the video version of the podcast to see the whiteboard: https://www.youtube.com/@edsicomgt  ----- CONNECT WITH US   Website: https://edsico.com.au/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alifarhoodimscpmp/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edsicomgt/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edsicomgt

    58 min

  8. 06/16/2025

    Avoiding Billion-Dollar Mistakes: Lessons from TfNSW’s Director of Contract Management | Ep. 02

    Need help with managing your next big infrastructure project? Get in touch with our team: https://edsico.com.au/contact-us/  ----- Welcome to ‘Beyond the Plan’. In this episode, Ali Farhoodi sits down with Barry Gordon, Director of Commercial and Contract Management at Transport for NSW, to unpack the biggest contract mistakes he’s seen over his career, and what you can do to get it right from the start. If you work in major projects (government or private) this episode is a must-watch. ----- Watch the video version of the podcast to see the whiteboard: https://www.youtube.com/@edsicomgt  ----- CONNECT WITH US Website: https://edsico.com.au/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alifarhoodimscpmp/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edsicomgt/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edsicomgt

    54 min

  9. 05/14/2025

    5 Critical Lessons from Delivering Australia’s Biggest Infrastructure Projects | Ep. 01

    Need help with managing your next big infrastructure project? Get in touch with our team: https://edsico.com.au/contact-us/  ----- In this episode, Ali Farhoodi sits down with John Szmajda, an industry veteran with 45+ years of experience delivering massive projects like the Sydney Metro, and mining infrastructure for clients like BHP and Rio Tinto. We take a brutally honest look at what it really takes to deliver large-scale projects successfully, and John shares the 5 things every project needs to get it right. This episode is packed with practical insights you can take straight into your next project. ----- Watch the video version of the podcast to see the whiteboard: https://www.youtube.com/@edsicomgt  ---- CONNECT WITH US Website: https://edsico.com.au/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alifarhoodimscpmp/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edsicomgt/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edsicomgt

    44 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

If you work in major infrastructure projects - whether in government or the private sector - then this series is for you.  Host, Ali Farhoodi, is joined by seasoned project managers who share their insights on successful project management strategies, and behind the scenes stories on projects like Sydney Metro, Sydney Light Rail and the Lane Cove Tunnel. Ali is the Director of EDSICO Management, a boutique, independent, Australian-owned consultancy that provides a range of services to Australian Government agencies and the private sector across all aspects of Project Management and Project Services.

Information

  • Creator
    Ali Farhoodi
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Beyond The Plan
  • Show Website
    Beyond The Plan